The Baltimore Ravens listed three receivers on their final injury report ahead of Saturday’s big matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore released one of those receivers shortly afterward.
Baltimore released Diontae Johnson, a former Pro Bowler who had his most productive seasons with the Steelers, who selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Johnson was traded to Baltimore from Carolina just before the trade deadline . He caught just one pass for 6 yards in four games with the Ravens.
Johnson, 28, was traded from Pittsburgh to Carolina this offseason in a trade that also included the Panthers sending veteran cornerback Donte Jackson to the Steelers. Jackson has played well for the Steelers, who can clinch the AFC North division crown with a win on Saturday.
The Ravens were expected to release Johnson. The team and Johnson mutually agreed to excuse him from team activities last week after he was suspended for last Sunday’s win over the Giants due to conduct detrimental to the team. Johnson’s suspension was the result of him refusing to participate in Baltimore’s Week 13 loss to the Eagles.
Obviously, this has been a very disappointing season for Johnson, who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2021, his third season with the Steelers. He has caught just 31 passes so far during his combined stints with the Panthers and Ravens.
Along with Johnson, the Ravens will be without teammate Nelson Agholor (concussion) for Saturday’s game. Catcher Rashod Bateman (foot) is questionable.
